Master Assassin

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The Assassin insignia

The title of Master Assassin is one of the highest obtainable ranks within the Assassin Order, and those who hold this title are presumed to have reached the peak of their training as an Assassin. The rank garners a large amount of respect from other members within the Order and indicates individuals who possess uncommon skill and talent, most often in the arts of stealth and assassination.

A Master Assassin is meant to embody the Creed: they have never harmed an innocent, always hid in plain sight, and never compromised the Brotherhood.

In the 18th century, Achilles Davenport was a Master Assassin - and later Mentor - of the Colonial Brotherhood. Following the near complete collapse of the branch in 1763, Achilles removed himself from the Assassin affairs, but eventually returned to prominence as the Mentor of the Assassin Ratonhnhaké:ton.[5] Ratonhnhaké:ton himself obtained the rank at some point later in his life.[6]

Attire

Crusades

Like other Assassins of the Levantine Brotherhood, most Master Assassins possessed the eagle beak-like design upon their hoods, but their robes were generally longer, forming a bird-like "tail" that fluttered whenever they were in an area of strong wind. In addition, their leather belts were larger, their red sashes wider and longer, and they had permission to carry any weapon they desired.[2]

Renaissance

When the order retreated underground after the Levantine Brotherhood's supposed collapse, a uniform guideline as to the attire of a Master Assassin no longer existed. The Master Assassins of the Renaissance in Europe were a small, underground group with broader access to knowledge and weapons. Most retained their freerunning, Hidden Blades and hooded traditions.[9] Master Assassins were also the only Assassins permitted to wield dual Hidden Blades.

As Assassin Dens were erected within Constantinople, Ezio Auditore promoted several high-ranking Assassins to be Master Assassins who guarded the structures. These new Master Assassins would be trained specially by Ezio to be able to fulfill their role, and this extra training allowed them to hold the Dens against Templarattacks.[3]